avatarCarolyn Hastings

Summary

The content is a personal poem about respect, accompanied by reflections on the author's recent life challenges and a mention of two writing prompts.

Abstract

The provided content is a reflective piece that includes a poem titled "Aura of Respect" written in free verse. The poem explores the concept of respect as a deeply ingrained part of the author's identity, comparing it to an aura that surrounds and protects them. The author invites others to join them in this space of respect, warning that those who disrespect will be excluded. The poem is followed by a personal note from the author, sharing that they've been through significant life changes and emotional pain recently, including the loss of their mother and the dissolution of their marriage. Despite these challenges, they've managed to complete the poem and respond to two writing prompts, "Respect Respect" and "I Am From." The author encourages others to participate in these prompts as well.

Opinions

  • The author views respect as a fundamental part of their identity, passed down from their ancestors.
  • The author believes that respect creates a positive force field around them, inviting others to join in harmony.
  • The author warns that disrespect will not be tolerated and will result in exclusion.
  • The author has recently experienced significant personal challenges, including the loss of a loved one and a marriage.
  • Despite these challenges, the author has found solace in writing and responding to writing prompts.
  • The author values the power of writing and encourages others to engage in writing prompts as well.
  • The author expresses gratitude towards their readers and promotes an AI service that provides similar functions to ChatGPT Plus at a lower cost.

Respect Respect

Aura of Respect

Where I am from in free verse

Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay — modified in Canva by author

Please hear me, for I am from the rootstock of respect passed down the line by my elders their forbears before them

Respect is who I am; it flows as does oil through my core roots, stem and leaves buds abound and unbind spores disperse in the air An aura of respect I can feel it Can you?

Respect is in and around me orbiting particles positivity-charged A force field of respect felt but not seen I am me in this space - all me, me, me, me

You can be here with me we’ll orbit in sync Come, let us dance sway, spin, and make love It’s the waltz of respect We can include everyone

Come, let us dance we can do this forever my space is your space as long as you revere me

…for I am from the rootstock of respect

If you dare to demean I will forgive not forget Your positivity charge will diminish to near-naught You’ll become one with the dark not lost not found either

The aura of respect spores locked together a ring-chain formation defending the rootstock, the ones there within from the darkness without

The choice is all yours I can’t make you do it Respect will prevail it’s the rootstock against evil.

© Carolyn Hastings 2023

It’s taken me two months, and an avalanche of life changes and emotional pain to write this poem but I’ve done it. I’ve written the poem AND I’ve survived the challenges life has dished up to me — well, so far I have — who knows what lies ahead?

This story is my contribution to Paper Poetry’s Respect Respect prompt. I prepared the prompt for release on July 1 none the wiser that two days later my mother would pass away, and soon after so too my marriage and life as I know it. Needless to say, it’s been a difficult time, hence my absence from Medium and writing in general.

My poem is also in response to Sheri Jacobs who tagged me into her I Am From prompt. I’ve applied my own treatment to the prompt — isn’t that what we poets do? 😜

The Respect Respect prompt is in its final hours, but Sheri’s I Am From prompt is evergreen, so I would like to invite a few poety friends to consider joining me in Sheri’s prompt — Jenine "Jeni" Baines | Sherry Atkinson | William J Spirdione | Theodore McDowell | Thalia Dunn — and, of course, anyone else who is inspired by the prompt. Please find the prompt details here –

For anyone interested in making a late run for the Respect Respect prompt, you can learn more about it here —

Thank you so much for reading. 🙏 💕

Respect Respect
Poetry
Prompt Response
I Am From
Paper Poetry
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